Left the Group Chat, Became the Apex Luna Chapter 03

Left the Group Chat, Became the Apex Luna Chapter 03

That night, I grabbed my blanket and got ready to crash on the couch.

Nessa blocked my way. “My friend’s coming over in a minute. She’s staying for two days. What’s it gonna look like if she sees you sleeping here?”

“Word gets out, and people will start saying we’re abusing you.”

I stared at her. “So you actually know this isn’t fair?”

She went quiet for a second.

“Do you have to talk like that?”

She shot me a dirty look and went to get backup.

Mom and Dad came out and jumped in without thinking.

“Nessa’s just looking out for the Calder name. Why do you always have to make a scene?”

“Laurel, are you even part of this family?”

Three years back, and I’d been excluded the whole time.

Now they needed me to be the bigger person, and suddenly I was family?

I looked at them calmly. “So—where do I sleep?”

Mom had it ready. “We’ll book you a room at a hotel in human territory.”

Dad added, “Just two nights. Once Nessa’s friend leaves, you can come back.”

That was my place in their hearts.

Lower than an outsider.

But it was the last night, and I didn’t care anymore.

“Fine.”

I walked to the balcony and grabbed all my stuff.

My bus leaves tomorrow afternoon. I could check out and head straight to the station.

This house? Not coming back.

Mom texted me the reservation info, then finally noticed my luggage.

“It’s only two nights. Why are you bringing everything?”

I shrugged. “Too messy piling it on the balcony.”

They were about to ask more, but Callum rushed out and grabbed them.

“The designer sent two mood boards for my training room. Help me pick one!”

Their heads turned toward his phone.

I turned.

Closed the door.

The lock clicked, and for a second, I felt like I was back three years ago.

Same suitcase. Same backpack.

Back then, I’d been excited—hopeful.

Now I was leaving with the same luggage and only one thought—

The farther, the better.

…

The hotel was near the human airport.

The wolf scent in the air was so faint I could barely catch it.

The moment I swiped the key card, a blast of mildew hit my nose.

I threw open all the windows.

The wallpaper was peeling at the edges. The AC rattled like it was about to die. The window faced a dimly lit parking lot.

My stomach tightened.

Lately, there’d been news about hidden cameras in human hotels. What if this place had one too?

Iris stirred low in my chest.

Check it.

My wolf rarely got this alert around human spaces.

I followed a tutorial I’d seen and started sweeping the room.

In the bathroom, I found it—a hidden camera.

Right above the shower.

My spine went cold.

Iris bristled in my head, a low growl rumbling through her.

I didn’t think. My hand dialed Mom before my brain caught up.

No answer.

Third time, she picked up.

“Mom…” My hand shook around the phone. “This hotel isn’t safe. I found a camera—”

Mom cut me off, annoyed.

“Then you should call the cops.”

“Nessa’s throwing a welcome party for her friend, and I’m swamped.”

“Laurel, you’re old enough. Figure it out.”

The line went dead.

The dial tone hit my ear like a dull blade, slicing through my last shred of hope.

I unlocked my phone and dialed 911.

Then I grabbed my bag, opened the door, and stood in the brightest part of the hallway to wait.

I wasn’t going back in that room.

Ten minutes felt like an hour.

The cops took statements, gathered evidence, and brought me to the station for a report.

By the time I signed off, the moon was already up.

I stared into the dark, the fear still crawling under my skin.

The officer noticed. Asked if I needed a ride home.

I shook my head.

That wasn’t home anymore.

“If it’s not too much trouble—could you drop me at the station?”

…

Five days later, back at the Calder house.

Nessa’s friend was gone.

Callum’s training room was done.

Mom tidied up the couch as if something just hit her. “Alright, call Laurel back. She’s got a place to sleep now.”

Dad pulled out his phone and dialed.

“We’re sorry, the number you have dialed is not in service…”